2012: Top 10 movies of the year, by Matt Pais

2012: Top 10 movies of the year, by Matt Pais

Warner Bros.

7. "Magic Mike" The year's best bait and switch, the richly entertaining "Magic Mike" arrived with ads suggesting ridiculous fluff and delivered, surely to the disappointment of some, a sobering look at how it feels to consider turning a deliberately month-to-month gig into a career. It's easily Channing Tatum's best work, and director Steven Soderbergh provides just the right relaxed, observant eye, underscoring every moment of temporary fantasy with the reality that kicks in when the lights go up.

7. "Magic Mike" The year's best bait and switch, the richly entertaining "Magic Mike" arrived with ads suggesting ridiculous fluff and delivered, surely to the disappointment of some, a sobering look at how it feels to consider turning a deliberately month-to-month gig into a career. It's easily Channing Tatum's best work, and director Steven Soderbergh provides just the right relaxed, observant eye, underscoring every moment of temporary fantasy with the reality that kicks in when the lights go up. (Warner Bros.)

7. "Magic Mike" The year's best bait and switch, the richly entertaining "Magic Mike" arrived with ads suggesting ridiculous fluff and delivered, surely to the disappointment of some, a sobering look at how it feels to consider turning a deliberately month-to-month gig into a career. It's easily Channing Tatum's best work, and director Steven Soderbergh provides just the right relaxed, observant eye, underscoring every moment of temporary fantasy with the reality that kicks in when the lights go up.